To call 2008 a banner year for Tho Vu would be an understatement.

After studying jiu-jitsu under master Jean Kleber for less than two years, Tho has amassed a total of 13 medals, ceremonial swords, and trophies over 2008, competing in 10 tournaments that took him everywhere from California to Abu Dhabi.

Most recently, Tho Vu had two first place finishes at the NAGA North American Championship for the blue belt master’s division on November 8. He also went to the NAGA Florida Championship in Boca Raton and won a gold for the master’s division and silver for the adult division (130-140 lbs.). Two won four matches by submission and only dropped one in the adult blue belt finals, losing by a single advantage.

Tho’s year on the road is not over yet, though. On November 29-30, he will head to Tokyo , Japan for the Asian Jiu-Jitsu Championship.

Beyond all the medals, however, what truly amazes many of his fellow Kimura competitors is Tho’s maniacal work ethic and willingness to learn jiu-jitsu’s finer points.

“I focus on BJJ only, and I talk to Jean about my preparation,” said Tho. “I go to training every day and I also work out every day for one hour, running in the morning and at noon .”

Tho has traveled to several tournaments this year entirely on his own, such as at Florida and the international competitions in the Middle East and Japan .

“It is very hard, but I know that my friends at Kimura and my coach are there in spirit and in my mind to support me,” he said. “It’s never the same without them. They are my friends and family.”